Usc Trojans' Current Ncaa Tournament Projection

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In their first crippled backmost successful Los Angeles pursuing a difficult three-game Midwest roadworthy travel to statesman nan 2026 almanac year, nan USC Trojans defeated nan Maryland Terrapins 88-71. USC defender Jordan Marsh led nan Trojans successful scoring pinch a season-high 20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists connected 7-of-14 shooting from nan section successful nan victory.

With nan win, nan Trojans amended to an awesome people of 14-3 connected nan play and station a 3-3 grounds successful Big Ten play. USC’s 14 wins astatine nan midway constituent of January put nan Trojans successful awesome style to make nan NCAA Tournament successful their 2nd play nether coach Eric Musselman; however, there's still activity to do.

Jan 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans defender Jordan Marsh (7) dribbles nan shot against nan Maryland Terrapins successful nan 2nd half astatine Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

With March Madness correct astir nan corner, nan contenders for nan 68-team section are starting to travel into form. Where do nan Trojans autumn successful nan latest NCAA Tournament bracketology projections?

USC's Current NCAA Tournament Projection

Jan 13, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans caput coach Eric Musselman reacts against nan Maryland Terrapins successful nan first half astatine Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

According to ESPN Joe Lunardi’s latest ESPN Bracketology, USC is presently projected to beryllium nan No. 10 seed successful nan West Region. The Trojans' projected first-round matchup successful nan West Region is against nan Utah State Aggies successful Portland, Oregon.

The apical 4 seeds projected for nan West Region, on pinch USC, see nan No. 1 Arizona Wildcats, No. 9 Gonzaga Bulldogs, No. 13 Illinois Fighting Illini, and No. 19 Florida Gators.

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If this projection were to clasp up, it would beryllium nan 2nd consecutive clip that nan Trojans would beryllium a No. 10 seed successful nan NCAA Tournament. The past clip nan Trojans made nan tourney successful 2023, they were nan No. 10 seed successful nan East Region, earlier falling 72-62 successful their first-round matchup against nan Michigan State Spartans successful Columbus, Ohio.

Why USC's Projected Seed Is Lower Than Many Would Expect

Jan 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Southern California Trojans guardant Chad Baker-Mazara (4) looks connected during nan 2nd half against nan Minnesota Golden Gophers astatine Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

While galore would expect USC’s projected seed to beryllium higher pinch a 14-3 record, their caller blowout roadworthy losses to nan No. 4 Michigan Wolverines and No. 12 Michigan State Spartans were a large deed to nan Trojans tourney resume.

The Trojans, contempt winning nan Maui Invitational for nan first clip successful programme history, had a very anemic non-conference schedule pinch only a fewer value wins. While not arsenic loaded arsenic past years’ tournaments, USC winning nan Maui Invitational provided a awesome boost successful nan Trojans confidence.

USC’s champion triumph of nan play came successful nan Maui Invitational Semifinal against nan No. 25 Seton Hall Pirates connected Nov. 25, winning an 83-81 thriller. Seton Hall has had a phenomenal play and is considered 1 of nan apical teams successful nan Big East, besides pinch a 14-3 record. The triumph complete Seton Hall could beryllium to beryllium immense for nan Trojans later connected successful nan play erstwhile nan tourney section is finalized.

Other than losing to USC successful nan Maui Invitational successful November, nan Pirates' different losses of nan play came against nan Villanova Wildcats and nan No. 3 UConn Huskies, some of which were decided by azygous digits.

Why USC's Upcoming Matchup Against Purdue Could Provide Major Boost

Jan 10, 2026; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Purdue Boilermakers defender Fletcher Loyer (2) celebrates a 3 constituent changeable during nan first half against nan Penn State Nittany Lions astatine Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images | Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

USC’s upcoming matchup against nan No. 5 Purdue Boilermakers connected Saturday astatine nan Galen Center gives nan Trojans a aureate opportunity to fortify their tourney resume pinch an upset win. The Boilermakers are among nan Big Ten's best, posting a 15-1 wide record, pinch their only nonaccomplishment coming to nan No. 2 Iowa State Cyclones.

The tip-off astatine nan Galen Center betwixt nan Trojans and Boilermakers is scheduled for 3 p.m. PT pinch nan crippled broadcast connected Peacock. USC looks to propulsion disconnected different top-10 upset astatine location nether Musselman. The Trojans upset top-10 Michigan State past February astatine nan Galen Center.